Graduate Diploma in Accounting

Course summary

The Graduate Diploma in Accounting from Southern Cross University provides the foundational knowledge needed to begin a career path in accounting and consists of the eight core units of the Master of Professional Accounting.

The Graduate Diploma in Accounting is a pathway award and students who complete the Graduate Diploma are awarded eight units of advanced standing towards the Master of Professional Accounting, an industry accredited degree that provides additional specialist study in a variety of business, management and accounting topics.

Major areas of study

Students study eight units of the Master of Professional Accounting. Subjects covered include business accounting, information systems, financial reporting, contemporary issues in accounting, as well as management accounting, legal studies, finance, economics and quantitative analysis.

Learning outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Graduate Attribute

Course Learning Outcome

Intellectual rigour

Develop and create professional solutions to specific problem from a discipline area. Critically evaluate, analyse and synthesise a specific issue or theory from a professional area to arrive at a conclusion/decision with justification.

Creativity

Incorporated in Intellectual rigour.

Ethical practice

Analyse and compare challenging organisational ethical issues within a professional context. Apply discipline based knowledge and professional skills in situations that require autonomy and a high level of responsible behaviour.

Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate and apply well-developed discipline knowledge and professional skills in a specialised management area within a global perspective. Apply and integrate research principles and methods to professional management situations.

Lifelong learning

Incorporated in Intellectual rigour.

Communication and social skills

Prepare and deliver professional discipline advice, knowledge and ideas orally for a business or public context.

Prepare and deliver professional and justified, discipline advice using written communications suitable for business and public contexts.

Investigate and explain leadership research and practice in the management of people and self.

Appraise self and team regarding participation and performance.

Cultural competence

Incorporated in Knowledge of a discipline.

Assessment methods

The course incorporates progressive assessment and examinations. Students are assessed in each unit on the basis of written and oral assignments. These may be business reports, case studies, presentations, research studies and/or business plans.

Teaching methods

This course is flexibly delivered, designed to meet the demands of busy and highly mobile people. It is therefore a great option for those who juggle multiple work, personal or family commitments. On-campus classes are supplemented by online lectures, discussion forums and electronic resources.

On-campus classes offer a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. Lectures may be streamed live or pre-recorded; either way students can download a recording at their convenience. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

In addition, students can progress their learning each week by following activities, readings and case studies laid out, step-by-step, in a website for each unit. As they move through the learning outcomes, they can discuss their progress in class or in online forums and ask questions of their peers or lecturer.

This degree demands up to 150 hours of study for each unit.

Career opportunities

Completion of this course opens opportunities in a variety of professional roles in the accounting and finance industry, including business accounting, auditing and financial services. The course will also enhance the financial knowledge and skills of business owners and managers in all industries.

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

Admission Requirements

Qualification equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree. Refer to the Course Structure tab for specific admission requirements.

Related links

Learning Resources

MySCU is a student's point of entry to a range of online services and resources that support study and student life. The portal includes unit learning sites and information sites where students can access resources, communication tools and useful links that are integral to their studies.

The web-based study environment Blackboard Learn delivers an advanced online learning environment for students and lecturers to communicate and collaborate through virtual meeting spaces, classrooms, and discussion boards. They can share files, presentations and applications. If a tutorial or lecture is recorded, students can view it afterwards.

Learning materials include the provision of unit information guides, study guides and readings. Students may need to purchase or access prescribed text books.

The SCU Library provides a wide range of services that include face-to-face and online help, and access to print and electronic resources. To find out more, see the Library Toolbox.

The Academic Skills team supports student learning by offering online and on-campus academic skills workshops, assignment reviews and small group or one-on-one face-to-face, phone or Skype consultations during business hours 9am to 4.30pm. Appointments can be made via the MySCU Hub ‘Connect Now’ button or on the Academic Skills home page. Students can also book appointments online in Career Hub.

The YourTutor service provides online after-hours study support for SCU students. This service is available from 4pm to midnight Sunday to Friday via the ‘Connect Now’ button on MySCU Hub or from a link in nominated unit learning sites. The YourTutor service offers generic writing feedback and live online chat assistance for foundational concepts and study skills.

Equipment and facilities

Southern Cross University provides students with modern well equipped teaching spaces such as lecture theatres, classrooms, and studios or laboratories tailored to meet the needs of specific study disciplines. Contemporary audiovisual equipment is standard in most teaching venues, and students have access to computer labs for individual study purposes.

Course structure

Table of contents

Admission requirements

Applicants for admission to candidature in the Graduate Diploma in Accounting may be selected where they can demonstrate professional standing approved by the School Board to be equivalent to the requirements of Rule 2, Section 3.

Commercial Services

The Hotel School

Southern Cross University acknowledges and pays respect to the ancestors, Elders and descendants of the Lands upon which we meet and study.We are mindful that within and without the concrete and steel of buildings these Lands always were and always will be Aboriginal Land.